As we launch into August, here's a question for you, Reader—

Have you taken any time off from work this year?

If you're like a lot of people I've talked to, the answer may be "not yet."

Maybe it's been busy at work, and you worry that leaving your team for a couple weeks right now would put extra stress on them. You might believe it'd be stressful for you, too--that you'd be unable to relax while you fret about what you're not doing, so you may as well keep working. (Yup, I see you.)

Or, with all the uncertainty in the air with layoffs and AI-zing, you don't want to be absent and miss any big surprise decisions that emerge. 📉

Fact is, even my European friends seem to be planning shorter stints for les grandes vacances.🇫🇷

Maybe like a lot of people I've talked to lately, you're hungry for a break—but you're not quite sure you should step away right now.

If if that's you (or someone you love), you need to read this today:

​Read "5 Signs You Need to Take Time Off Now ​(& It’ll Be Okay)"​

(read time: <4 minutes)

How about you, Reader? Have you taken any time for yourself, or are you overdue? Hit REPLY and tell me. Of course, you're always welcome to ask me a different question or share a story about your life at work—it's great to hear from you, and I work hard to respond however I can.

In the meantime, let's get our next breaks on our calendars, whether it's in August or down the road. After all, even our soaring red capes need a break now and then (and the article shows how it'll actually all be okay.) Be well!

Always, Darcy

P.S. Did Reader forward this to you? What a great human you have in your life! I write these messages weekly to my Insiders to share short stories and tools from my life as an executive coach to leaders and teams, and my goal is to share ideas that help make your work work better for your life. Love to have you join us (always free)—just sign up here. --D

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